Reported 20 or more players to be suspended
Grandal, Cabrera may face suspensions in probe of Florida anti-aging clinic

Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera and catcher Yasmani Grandal are among 20 players being targeted for possible suspensions by Major League Baseball, according to ESPN. The network is reporting a breakthrough in MLB’s investigation into a Miami anti-aging clinic that has allegedly provided performance-enhancing drugs to players.

Foremost on the list of 20 players reported to be facing possible suspension are two former MVPs: third baseman Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees and outfielder Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Their names alone suggest an investigation revealing perhaps the biggest drug scandal in baseball history. This in a professional sport where former superstars who obliterated most of the significant power-hitting records were alleged to have been using performance-enhancing substances in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

That was prior to the institution of MLB-wide testing for steroids and other PEDs in major league baseball.

If he is indeed among the players subject to punishment, Grandal could be hit with a 100-game suspension because he recently came off a 50-game suspension for a failed testosterone test late last year. MLB might consider this a second offense.

Cabrera’s name was also reportedly linked to paperwork found at Biogenesis of America, the South Florida clinic whose owner reportedly is going to cooperate with an investigation into the involvement by major league players. He would likely receive a 50-game suspension as a first-time offender.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Cabrera said before Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in L.A. “I haven’t seen any report. I don’t know anything about this.”

Grandal, a former University of Miami player traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Padres before the 2012 season, tested positive at the end of last year and has steadfastly refused to discuss details of his involvement. Even as he was about to begin serving his suspension for the first 50 games of the regular season, a Major League Baseball source told U-T San Diego that Grandal could be considered a two-time offender if the Biogenesis investigation revealed more participation on his part.

Cabrera has been enjoying a breakthrough season at the age of 26, receiving mention as an All-Star Game candidate with his play as the Padres’ switch-hitting leadoff. He leads the major leagues with his 24 stolen bases, boosting his batting average to .276, and tops the Padres in hits and on-base percentage.

Cabrera and Grandal are listed by ESPN with other players, including Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon — each of whom served drug suspensions last year — as well as major leaguers Nelson Cruz, Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero, Jhonny Peralta, Fernando Martinez, Jordan Norberto and other players “either identified by code names or whose names appear in other documents obtained” by ESPN.

Also named by ESPN were former Padres pitchers Cesar Carrillo and Fautino de los Santos.

“I really don’t think I can comment,” Padres General Manager Josh Byrnes said in a statement. “I have no insight into the process or possible ramifications. Anything I would say would be pure speculation at this point.”

Informed during his pregame media session about the ESPN report, manager Bud Black said: “I have to look further into it. I will answer when I know more about it.”